Method and system for multiple passcode generation

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a method and a system for generating user passcodes for each of a plurality of transaction providers from a mobile user device. A method and system for activating a plurality of passcode generators on a user device configured with a passcode application installed on the user device is provided. Each of the passcode generators may correspond to a different user account or transaction provider, such that each passcode generator provides a user passcode configured for the corresponding account or transaction provider. One or more of the passcode generators may include a passcode generating algorithm and a passcode key. Access to one or more of the passcode generators may require providing a PIN or a challenge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/020,867 filed on Feb. 4, 2011, published as US 2011/0202984 on Aug. 18, 2011 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,065 on Dec. 17, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/304,572 filed on Feb. 15, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a method and a system for generating user passcodes for each of a plurality of transaction providers from a mobile user device.

BACKGROUND

Many methods exist for providing a dynamic passcode value, which is often referred to as a one time passcode (OTP), including OTP keyfobs and Universal Serial Buses (USBs), smart cards and various software solutions. Each keyfob, smartcard, etc., is typically dedicated to a single user account from a single provider. A user with multiple accounts from one or more providers or institutions may be required to obtain, possess, and use a separate keyfob or passcode generating device for each account. This presents an inconvenience for the user, requiring the user to carry and maintain multiple pieces of hardware to obtain user passcodes corresponding to each of a plurality of user accounts.

SUMMARY

The ability to conveniently obtain user passcodes from a single user device for each of a number of accounts or transaction providers, where the user device is preferably a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), presents numerous advantages to the user. User convenience is enhanced by having to possess and access only one device to obtain passcodes for any of a plurality of accounts with any of a plurality of transaction providers. Security of the passcode generators is enhanced due to consolidation of a number of passcode generators on a single device, e.g., the user's mobile phone or PDA, which is typically kept on or close to the user's person and which is frequently monitored by the user. The probability that the user's mobile device and passcode generators provided thereon may be misplaced, lost, or stolen is reduced in comparison with the probability of misplacement or loss of an individual keyfob, USB, smart card, or other passcode generating device, which may be intermittently used, set aside or stored in various locations apart from the user. Convenience is further enhanced due to the mobility of the single passcode generating device, and accessibility from any location or at any time the user requires a passcode to complete a transaction.

Accordingly, a system and method are provided for activating a plurality of passcode generators on a user device via a passcode application installed on the user device. The user device may be, for example, a mobile phone or PDA. Each of the passcode generators on the user device may correspond to a different user account or transaction provider, such that each passcode generator provides a user passcode configured for the corresponding account or transaction provider.

The method may include installing a passcode application on the user device and activating a plurality of passcode generators on the user device using the passcode application. Each of the plurality of provider passcode generators is configurable to provide a user passcode for a transaction between a user and the corresponding provider associated with the passcode generator. The method may further include accessing one or more provider interfaces via the user device and/or passcode application to receive information configured to activate a passcode generator corresponding to the provider on the user device. Installing the passcode application on the user device may include installing one or more algorithms which may be configured to generate passcodes. Further, a provider passcode key may be obtained by the passcode application and used to configure and/or activate a corresponding provider passcode generator on the user device. A PIN and/or challenge may be required to access the passcode application and/or one or more of the provider passcode generators.

The system may include a passcode application. But passcode application may be used to configure and/or to activate a plurality of passcode generators on a user device. The user device may be configured to receive the passcode application. A provisioning server may be configured to provide the passcode application to the user device, and a plurality of provider interfaces each configurable to provide passcode information related to the corresponding provider. Each of the plurality of provider passcode generators may be configured for activation on the user device to communicate with a corresponding provider server, to obtain passcode information to activate each provider passcode generator on the user device such that the user can obtain a provider passcode configured as a user passcode for the corresponding provider. The system may include one or more algorithms, wherein each of the algorithms may be configured to generate at least one provider passcode. The system may further include one or more keys, wherein each of the keys may be configured to generate a respective provider passcode which corresponds to the user's account with that respective provider. The system may generate a PIN and/or challenge for input to access the passcode application and/or to access one or more of the provider passcode generators.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a user device-based system for generating a user passcode for each of a plurality of providers;

FIG. 2 is a graphical flow chart describing a method for activating a plurality of passcode generators on a user device; and

FIG. 3 is a graphical flow chart describing a method for obtaining a passcode from one of a plurality of passcode generators on a user device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic illustration of a system 10 for generating a user passcode for each of a plurality of providers on a user device. The system 10 includes a user device 20, which may be any of a variety of user mobile phones, personal digital assistances (PDAs) and handheld devices (iPhone™, Blackberry™, etc.). The system 10 includes a provisioning server 30, and a plurality of provider servers 50A, 50B . . . 50 n, which are each configured to communicate with and/or through a network 40, which may be, for example, the internet.

The user device 20 is configured to communicate with the network 40 through an interface 15A, which may be a modem, mobile browser, wireless internet browser or similar means. The user device 20 further includes a memory 13A, a central processing unit (CPU) 11A and one or more algorithms which may be one or more standard algorithms (SA_(n)) or other algorithms (A_(n)) adaptable as passcode-generating algorithms. Memory 13A can include, by way of example, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), electrically-erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), etc., of a size and speed sufficient for executing one or more algorithms SA₁ . . . SA_(n), A₁, A₂ . . . A_(n) and/or one or more passcode generators G₁, G₂ . . . G_(n) activated on the user device 20. The user device 20 further includes a display 29 configurable to display a passcode application, a passcode menu, passcodes and/or challenges. The user device 20 includes an input 27 configured to receive input from the user, e.g., a keypad through which the user may key in a PIN and/or a challenge, a camera configured to receive a retinal scan, a fingerprint pad, an electronic receiver, or a combination of these. A passcode application 33, which may include one or more standard algorithms SA₁ . . . SA_(n) and/or other software, may be provided and installed on the user device 20 from the provisioning server 30, through the network 40.

The provisioning server 30 is adapted to communicate with the network 40 through an interface 15B, which may be a modem, website or similar means. The provisioning server 30 further includes a memory 13B, a CPU 11B, one or more algorithms which may be one or more standard algorithms (SA_(n)) or other algorithms (A_(n)) adaptable as passcode generating algorithms, and a passcode application 33. The memory 13B can include, by way of example, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, etc., of a size and speed sufficient for configuring, providing and activating the passcode application 33 on the user device 20, through the network 40.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the system 10 further includes a first provider server 50A, which corresponds to a first provider and which may be configured to communicate with the network 40 through a first provider interface 16A e.g., a first provider website. The first provider server 50A includes a memory 14A and a CPU 12A. the first provider server 50A may be configured to provide a first provider algorithm A₁ and/or a first passcode key K₁, where the algorithm A₁ and/or the passcode key K₁ may be configured to provide a first passcode generator G₁. The algorithm A₁, the passcode key K₁, and/or the passcode generator G₁ may be configured to generate a user passcode configured for use with the first provider. Memory 14A can include, by way of example, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, etc., of a size and speed sufficient for configuring, providing and/or activating an algorithm A₁, a passcode key K₁ and/or a passcode generator G₁ on the user device 20, through the network 40 and/or the passcode application 33.

System 10 further includes at least a second provider server 50B corresponding to a second provider. The provider server 50B may be configured similarly to the provider server 50A, e.g., the second provider server 50B may be configured to communicate with a network 40 through a second provider interface 16B which may be, for example, a website of the second provider. The second provider server 50B includes a memory 14B and a CPU 12B and may be configured to provide a second provider algorithm A₂ and/or a passcode key K₂. The algorithm A₂ and/or the passcode key K₂ may be configured to provide a second passcode generator G₂. The algorithm A₂, the passcode key K₂, and/or the second passcode generator G₂ may be configured to generate a user passcode configured for use with the second provider. The memory 14B can include, by way of example, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, etc., of a size and speed sufficient for configuring, providing and/or activating an algorithm A₂, passcode key K₂ and/or passcode generator G₂ on the user device 20, through the network 40 and/or phone passcode application 33.

System 10 may include a plurality of additional provider servers generally indicated as 50 n, and corresponding to a plurality of additional providers, wherein the nth server 50 n corresponds to an nth provider. As discussed previously, the server 50 n may be configured similarly to the provider server 50A, e.g., the nth provider server 50 n may be configured to communicate with the network 40 through a nth provider interface 16 n which may be, for example, a website of the nth provider. The nth provider server 50 n includes a memory 14 n and a CPU 12 n and may be configured to provide a second provider algorithm A_(n) and/or a passcode key K_(n), where the algorithm A_(n) and/or the passcode key K_(n) may be configured to provide a passcode generator G_(n). The algorithm A_(n), the passcode key K_(n), and/or the nth passcode generator G_(n) may be configured to generate a user passcode configured for use with the nth provider. The memory 14 n can include, by way of example, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM) electrically-erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), etc., of a size and speed sufficient for configuring, providing and/or activating an algorithm A_(n), a passcode key K_(n) and/or a passcode generator G_(n) on the user device 20, through the network 40 and/or the passcode application 33.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a method for providing a plurality of passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n) on a user device 20 is provided, which may include installing a passcode application 33 on the user device 20 and activating the plurality of passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n) on the user device 20 via the passcode application 33, wherein each of the plurality of passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n) is configurable to provide a user passcode for a transaction between the user and the provider corresponding to the provider passcode generator G₁ . . . G_(n) on the user device 20.

Shown in FIG. 2 and indicated generally at 100, is a graphical flow chart describing one possible method for activating a plurality of passcode generators on a user device 20. Referring to FIG. 2, referencing the system 10 of FIG. 1, and beginning with step 101, a user, through a user device 20, accesses a provisioning server 30 to download, at step 102, a passcode application 33 to the user device 20. The user may be required to provide a user name, user device information or other identifying and authenticating information as needed to activate, at step 103, the passcode application 33 on the user device 20. The provisioning system 30 may provide the user an activation code, which the user may be required to input at step 103 to activate the passcode application 33 installed on the user device 20. The passcode application 33 may include one or more standard algorithms SA₁ . . . SA_(n) which may be adaptable to generate passcodes using a key K₁ . . . K_(n) configured by a provider and provided to the user device 20. Standard algorithms SA₁ . . . SA_(n) may be, by way of example and not intended to be limiting in scope, one or more algorithms adopted and/or approved by the Initiative for Open Authentication (OATH), such as a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) one time password (HOTP) algorithm, a time-based one time password (TOTP) algorithm, a one time password challenge/response algorithm (OCRA) or other OATH-approved algorithm.

Continuing with step 104 of FIG. 2, the user contacts the first provider 50A through, for example, a first provider interface 16A (referring for FIG. 1), using the user device 20 and the passcode application 33. The user provides information to the first provider 50A as required to activate a first provider passcode generator G₁ on the user device 20. For example, the user may be required to provide to the first provider system 50A the user's account number for the first provider, user device information, such as the type or model of the user device, user contact information which may include a phone number or email address, to install or configure a first provider passcode generator G₁ via the passcode application 33 on the user device 20, and/or an access code previously communicated by first provider system 50A to the user.

At step 105 of FIG. 2, the first passcode generator G₁ is downloaded to the user device 20 and the passcode application 33. The user provides, if required, additional input to activate the first passcode generator G₁ on the user device 20. For example, the user may be required to input an activation code to complete step 105. The user may additionally be required to input a PIN either provided by the first provider or established by the user during the activation session with the first provider, to access the first provider passcode generator G₁on the user device 20.

The first provider passcode generator G₁ is configured to generate, on the user device 20, passcodes retrievable by the user for use in transactions with the first provider. The first passcode generator G₁ may be configured by the first provider system 50A and installed to the passcode application 33 on the user device 20. Alternatively, a first algorithm A₁ may be installed to the passcode application 33, which may be a non-standard algorithm A₁ which is proprietary to the first provider, or the first provider may select an algorithm from the standard algorithms SA₁ . . . SA_(n) included in the passcode application 33 to configure a first passcode generator G₁ on user device 20. The first provider system 50A may provide a first key K₁ which is uniquely configured for the user's first provider account. The first key K₁ may be adaptable for use with an algorithm A₁ to configure the first passcode generator G₁. As discussed previously, the algorithm A₁ may be a standard algorithm provided by the passcode application 33 or may be a proprietary or non-standard algorithm provided by the first provider system 50A. The first key K₁ may be, for example, a symmetric key, a non-symmetric key, a data encryption standard (DES) key, an advanced encryption standard (AES) key, a secret, a secret byte array, a card verification key (CVK), a unique derivation key (UDK), a unique DEA key A (UDKA), a unique DEA key B (UDKB), a seed or an indexed key list. Additionally, the first key K₁ may be encrypted, obfuscated, cryptographically camouflaged or otherwise secured by the first provider system 50A and/or the passcode application 33 prior to being used to configure the first passcode generator G₁.

After the first passcode generator G₁ is installed and activated on the user device 20, the user may continue at step 106 to contact a second provider system 50B, again using the passcode application 33 and the user device 20, to install and activate at step 107 a second passcode generator G₂ corresponding to a different user account, e.g., a user account with the second provider, using a method as discussed previously for the first provider and the first passcode generator. Similarly, after the second passcode generator G₂ is installed and activated on the user device 20, the user may continue at step 108 to contact a third provider system, again using the passcode application 33 and the user device 20, to install and activate at step 109 a third passcode generator corresponding to a different user account, e.g., a user account with the third provider, using a method as discussed previously for the first provider and first passcode generator. Steps 108 and 109 may be repeated to contact nth provider systems 50 n and to activate nth passcode generators G_(n) using the passcode application 33 on the user device 20.

Each of the algorithms SA₁ . . . SA_(n) may be any standard algorithm which may be configured or used for passcode generation, including any OATH-approved algorithm such as a HOTP algorithm, a TOTP algorithm, an OCRA algorithm or other OATH-approved algorithm. Each of algorithms A₁ . . . A_(n) may be a standard algorithm SA₁ . . . SA_(n) or may be another algorithm which may be proprietary to one or more of the provider systems 50A . . . 50 n. Each of the keys K₁ . . . K_(n) may be, for example, a symmetric key, a non-symmetric key, a DES key, an AES key, a secret, a secret byte array, a CVK, a UDKA, a UDKB, a seed or an indexed key list. Additionally, each of the keys K₁ . . . K_(n) may be encrypted, obfuscated, cryptographically camouflaged or otherwise secured by its respective provider system 50A . . . 50 n and/or the passcode application 33 prior to provided to the user device 20 and/or adapted to produce a respective passcode generator G₁ . . . G_(n).

For illustrative example and not intended to be limiting in scope, referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first provider 50A may be a banking institution providing a passcode generator G₁ to a user for the user's ATM account. The first passcode generator G₁ may be configured with an algorithm A₁, which may be proprietary or unique to the banking institution, and a key K₁ which is unique to the user's ATM account, such that the first passcode generator G₁ is configured to generate a one-time PIN or passcode (OTP) on the user device 20. The OTP generated on the user device 20 may be provided as a single use PIN for an ATM transaction corresponding to the user's ATM account and verifiable as the user's PIN by the banking institution 50A. Continuing, for example, a second provider 50B may be the user's employer providing a passcode generator G₂ to the user device 20 corresponding to the user's account on the employer's network or VPN. The second passcode generator G₂ may be configured with a standard TOTP algorithm, SA₁, and the second passcode generator G₂ may be configured to generate a dynamic user passcode at a set time increment, for example, every 60 seconds, on the user device 20. The user may enter the generated dynamic user passcode with a user ID and/or PIN to gain access to the employer VPN. A third passcode generator G₃, for example, may be configured to generate a dynamic card verification value (CVV) for use as the CVV or security code associated with a credit card account, such as a Mastercard™ or Visa™ account. The third passcode generator G₃ may be configured within an algorithm, which may be a standard algorithm SA₂ or a proprietary algorithm A₂, and may be further configured with a key K₂ which is unique to the user's credit card account. The third passcode generator G₃ may be configured to generate a CVV which is usable for a predetermined number of transactions, for example, for a predetermined number of online purchases made with the user's corresponding Mastercard™ or Visa™. The nth passcode generator G_(n), again by way of example, may be configured to generate a dynamic (one-time or temporary) authorization code which must be inputted online in conjunction with other authenticating information to authorize a secured transaction, for example, a sale of securities by a nth provider broker or release of medical information by a nth provider medical insurer. The collective first through nth passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n) are installed and activated via the passcode application 33 on the user device 20, providing the capability for the user, through the user device 20, to conveniently generate and retrieve a plurality of dynamic passcode values each generated from a unique passcode generator and/or key and corresponding to a different provider account or system with which the user conducts transactions.

A passcode generator may be configured to provide more than one passcode corresponding to more than one provider, by activating more than one passcode key on the generator usable with that generator's passcode algorithm. For illustrative example, and not intending to be limiting in scope, a credit card passcode generator G₁ may be configured by the passcode application 33 with an algorithm SA₁ which can provide passcodes for a variety of credit cards, for example, Visa™ and Mastercard™ credit cards. The passcode application 33, when activating a new provider account, would recognize whether the new provider account corresponds to the existing passcode generator G₁ and passcode algorithm SA₁, and, rather than configure a new passcode generator for the new provider, instead may configure the existing passcode generator G₁ for the new provider account. For example, a first passcode key K₁ may be activated on a credit card passcode generator G₁ corresponding to a user's first Visa™ account with a first provider 50A. A second passcode key K₂ may be activated on the same credit card passcode generator G₁ corresponding to a user's Mastercard™ account, where the Mastercard™ provider uses the same passcode generating algorithm SA₁ as the first Visa™ provider 50A. A third passcode key K₃ may be activated on the same credit card passcode generator G₁ corresponding to a user's second Visa™ account, where the second Visa™ provider 50D (wherein provider 50D is one of a plurality of additional provider servers generally indicated as 50 n) uses the same passcode generating algorithm SA₁ as the first Visa™ provider 50A. A fourth passcode key K₄ may be activated on the same credit card passcode generator G₁ corresponding to a user's retailer/merchant credit card, where the retailer/merchant credit card provider system 50E (wherein provider 50E is another of a plurality of additional provider servers generally indicated as 50 n) uses the same passcode generating algorithm SA₁ as the Mastercard™ and first and second Visa™ provider systems 50A, 50C, 50D, and so on. In this manner, further convenience is enjoyed by the user, who may select from multiple provider accounts within a single passcode generator G₁ to obtain a passcode for the selected account. Efficiency is gained by configuring multiple user accounts on the same account generator G₁, by reducing, for example, the memory required to store and operate multiple account passcode generators on a single user device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a graphical flow chart describing a method generally indicated at 200 for obtaining a passcode from one or more of a plurality of passcode generators on the user device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, and referencing the system elements of FIG. 1, a user at step 201 opens the passcode application 33 on the user device 20, where the passcode application 33 has already been populated by a plurality of activated provider passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n). Each of the provider passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n) is configured to generate a passcode for the user which is recognizable by the provider corresponding to the passcode generator as a verifiable passcode from the user and corresponding to the user's provider account. As discussed previously, by way of example and not to be limiting in scope, a provider may be a banking institution providing a passcode usable as a PIN for an ATM transaction or online transaction; a secure network providing an passcode to authenticate the user for access to a VPN or other secure network; a credit/debit card issuer providing a passcode which may be used as a CVV for an online payment transaction, or a services provider such as a brokerage, a medical provider, or an insurance carrier providing a passcode for authorization of release of funds or confidential information. The user, at step 202, accesses the passcode application 33 and selects the provider passcode generator corresponding to the provider for which the user requires a passcode. For example, the user may be conducting a transaction with a provider system 50X corresponding to a provider X, wherein provider system 50X is one of the plurality of additional provider systems generally indicated as 50 n. As shown in FIG. 3, the user selects the Xth provider passcode generator G_(x), wherein G_(x) is one of the passcode generators G₁ . . . G_(n) selectable from a menu or other display 29 provided by the passcode application 33. The passcode application 33 may provide a menu or other display as a listing of the provider names depicted in text or pictorially, for example, by displaying logos corresponding to each provider, or by any other means suitable to facilitate user convenience in selecting the desired provider passcode generator G_(x) at step 202.

At step 203, the user inputs a PIN corresponding to the Xth provider passcode generator G_(x). The PIN may be in any configuration which can be input into user device 20. By way of non-limiting example, the PIN may be a character string of one or more alpha-numeric or special characters inputted into the keypad, a picture or a graphic selected from the device screen, a challenge transmitted to the user's device as a short message service (SMS) message, text message or voice mail, a datum or an electronic signal transmitted from the user device 20, a retinal scan provided to the user device's camera, or a fingerprint provided to a print pad on the user device 20. The PIN input may be provided by the user device 20 automatically, for example, the PIN may be provided by passcode application 33, or as a device identifier which is unique to or generated by the user's device 20. This latter example provides additional security that the passcode application 33 and/or the passcode generator G_(x) has not been ported or copied over to another (unauthorized) device, by requiring a user device parameter or identifier that is unique to the user device 20 as the PIN. Alternatively, step 202 may be optional, e.g., a PIN input may not be required to generate a passcode. In this configuration, the process may proceed directly from user selection of the provider passcode generator G_(x) at step 202 to the passcode generation at step 205, without further user input.

Following input of the user PIN corresponding to the passcode generator G_(x) at step 203, the user may optionally be required to input a challenge at step 204. The challenge, as previously discussed for the PIN, may be in any configuration which can be input into the user device 20. For example, the challenge may be configured as a character string of one or more alpha-numeric or special characters, a picture or graphic, a datum or an electronic signal, a retinal scan or a fingerprint. At optional step 209, a request for a challenge may be initiated by the passcode application 33 or by passcode generator G_(x). The challenge is provided to the user at optional step 210, by any suitable means, for example, as a SMS text message, email or voice mail. The challenge may be provided, for example, as a value, as an instruction requiring the user to input the purchase or payment amount of the transaction, or as a challenge question requiring the user to input an answer which may be known only by the user. The user retrieves the challenge at optional step 211 and at optional step 204 inputs the challenge value to the provider passcode generator G_(x).

After the user has input the PIN at step 203, and if required to do so, after the user has input a challenge to the passcode generator G_(x) at step 204, the passcode generator G_(x) at step 205 generates a user passcode corresponding to the user's Xth provider account. The user retrieves the user passcode for use in a transaction with the Xth provider at step 206 by any suitable means. For example, if the passcode is provided to the display 29 of the user device 20 in human readable characters, the user may read the passcode from the display 29 to retrieve it for input into the Xth provider interface or another transaction interface in communication with the Xth provider system 50X.

Referring now to step 207, if the user requires another passcode for a subsequent transaction with a different provider, the user selects, at step 202, the passcode generator corresponding with the different provider, and repeats steps 203 through 206 as required for that provider's passcode generator. Alternatively, at step 207, if the user does not require any further passcodes at the present time, the user may exit the passcode application at step 208.

Various optional configurations of the passcode application are possible. For example, the passcode application 33 may be further secured with a separate PIN, or may be secured by a locking mechanism(s) available on the user device 20. The PIN for a first, second and nth passcode generator may be configured as the same PIN, e.g., having the same PIN value, for all passcode generators, increasing user convenience by decreasing the number of PIN values the user must memorize. One or more of the passcode generator keys K₁ . . . K_(n) may be cryptographically camouflaged such that the input of an invalid PIN may produce a passcode which is formatted for input into the provider interface, however the passcode generated in response to the invalid PIN will also be invalid, e.g., the invalid passcode provided will not be verifiable as a user passcode for the user's account if input into the provider interface.

The passcode application may configure a passcode generator on the user device, using a standard or recognized algorithm provided by the passcode application and a unique key generated by the provider and specific to the user account. The provider interface may send a proprietary (non-standards and/or unique) provider algorithm and a user account-specific key to the passcode application for the passcode application to configure as a passcode generator on the user device. Alternatively, the passcode application may receive the provider passcode generator directly from the provider, fully configured for the user's account.

Additional advantages, such as the ability to reset the passcode counter for a passcode generator through the user device may be provided, eliminating the inconvenience of contacting a provider in the event of passcode nonsynchrony. The various passcode generators provided by the passcode application may be updated automatically on the user device and without the need to replace the passcode generating hardware or the user's account card, as may be the instance if the passcode generator was configured as a provider dedicated keyfob or USB or, if the users card was configured as a passcode-generating smart card.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a user device comprising an interface, a memory, and a processing unit, wherein the user device is configured to receive a passcode application through the interface over a network from a provisioning server and to store the passcode application in the memory; a first passcode generating algorithm recorded in the memory; wherein the user device is configured to receive, over the network via the interface of the user device: first passcode information from a first provider interface associated with a first provider; second passcode information from a second provider interface associated with a second provider; third passcode information from a third provider interface associated with a third provider; a first passcode generator defined by the first provider interface; and a second passcode generator defined by the second provider interface; wherein the user device is configured to execute the passcode application on the processing unit to: generate a first passcode configured as a user passcode for the first provider using the first passcode generator, the first passcode generating algorithm, and the first passcode information; generate a second passcode configured as a user passcode for the second provider using the second passcode generator, a second passcode generating algorithm, and the second passcode information; activate an account with the third provider, wherein the user device being configured to activate the account comprises the user device being configured to: recognize whether a third passcode generator and a third passcode generating algorithm defined by the third provider interface correspond to either the first passcode generator and the first passcode generating algorithm or the second passcode generator and the second passcode generating algorithm, and configure the first passcode generator for generating a user passcode for the third provider using the third passcode information and the first passcode generating algorithm responsive to a determination that the third passcode generator and the third passcode generating algorithm correspond to the first passcode generator and the first passcode generating algorithm; and generate a third passcode configured as the user passcode for the third provider using the first passcode generator, the first passcode generating algorithm, and the third passcode information.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first passcode information comprises a first key defined by the first provider.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second passcode information comprises a second key defined by the second provider.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device further comprises: an input that is configured to receive an access PIN to access the passcode application.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device further comprises: an input that is configured to receive a first PIN to obtain the first passcode; and wherein the input is configured to receive a second PIN to obtain the second passcode.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device further comprises: an input that is configured to receive a challenge configured for input as one of a first challenge to obtain the first passcode, and a second challenge to obtain the second passcode.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to execute the passcode application on the processing unit to: install the first passcode generator on the user device; and install the second passcode generator on the user device.
 8. A method comprising: receiving, on a user device, a passcode application; receiving on the user device a first passcode generator defined by a first provider; receiving on the user device a second passcode generator defined by a second provider; activating the first passcode generator to generate a first passcode configured as a user passcode for a transaction between a user and the first provider, wherein activating the first passcode generator comprises using a first algorithm on the user device; activating the second passcode generator on the user device to generate a second passcode configured as a user passcode for a transaction between a user and the second provider, wherein activating the second passcode generator comprises using a second algorithm on the user device; performing an activation process for an account between the user and a third provider, including recognizing whether a third passcode generator and a third algorithm defined by the third provider corresponds to either the first passcode generator and the first algorithm on the user device or to the second passcode generator and the second algorithm on the user device; responsive to a determination that the third passcode generator and the third algorithm correspond to the first passcode generator and the first algorithm on the user device, configuring the first passcode generator on the user device to use the first algorithm for generating a third passcode for a transaction between the user and the third provider.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: displaying one of the first passcode, the second passcode, and the third passcode on a display of the user device.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving first provider information from a first provider interface via the user device; and wherein the first provider information comprises a first passcode key configured to activate the first passcode generator on the user device.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving second provider information from a second provider interface via the user device; and wherein the second provider information comprises a second passcode key configured to activate the second passcode generator on the user device.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein activating the first passcode generator comprises activating a first passcode key on the user device, wherein of the first algorithm and the first passcode key together are configured to generate the first passcode.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein activating the second passcode generator comprises activating a second passcode key on the user device, wherein the second algorithm and the second passcode key together are configured to generate the second passcode.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein configuring the first passcode generator on the user device for generating a third passcode for a transaction between the user and the third provider comprises: activating a third passcode key on the first passcode generator, wherein the first algorithm and the third passcode key together are configured to generate the third passcode.
 15. The method of claim 8, further comprising: inputting a PIN into the user device, wherein the PIN is one of an access PIN to access the passcode application, a first PIN to obtain the first passcode, and a second PIN to obtain the second passcode.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein two or more of the access PIN, the first PIN and the second PIN are the same PIN.
 17. The method of claim 8, further comprising: generating the third passcode using the first passcode generator, the first algorithm, and passcode information from the third provider.
 18. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor cause the processor to: receive on a user device a passcode application; receive on the user device a first passcode generator defined by a first provider; receive on the user device a second passcode generator defined by a second provider; activate the first passcode generator using a first algorithm on the user device to generate a first passcode configured as a user passcode for a transaction between a user and the first provider; activate the second passcode generator using a second algorithm on the user device to generate a second passcode configured as a user passcode for a transaction between a user and the second provider; perform an activation process for an account between the user and a third provider, comprising causing the processor to recognize whether a third passcode generator and a third algorithm defined by the third provider corresponds to either the first passcode generator and the first algorithm on the user device or to the second passcode generator and the second algorithm on the user device; responsive to a determination that the third passcode generator and the third algorithm correspond to the first passcode generator and the first algorithm on the user device, configure the first passcode generator on the user device for generating a third passcode for a transaction between the user and the third provider using the first algorithm.
 19. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: receive passcode information from a provider interface associated with the third provider; and generate the third passcode using the first passcode generator, the first algorithm, and the passcode information from the third provider. 